TRIBUTES have been paid to a “local music legend” who served thousands of people musical instruments in his Barrow shop.
Heartfelt tributes have poured in for Terry Turner – a devoted dad, jazz drummer and founder of R&T Music in Dalkeith Street, Barrow.
Mr Turner died after a short illness and leaves behind his wife Linda and children, Phil, Andy and Jill.
Andy Turner described his dad as a ‘funny and generous man’ who loved Barrow and the people in it.
“I take great solace in the fact that dad always told me he had no regrets, how lucky he was to have led such a rich, full life and how he’d connected with so many great friends and fellow musicians along the way," he said.
“He was my best friend, a funny, generous man who taught me everything I needed to know about work, life, music and the importance of family.
“He loved Barrow and the people in it and would have been thrilled to know how much this was reciprocated.”
Mr Turner was born and raised in Dalton.
His father Billy, a talented painter, introduced him to jazz at an early age and bought him his first drum kit.
"Within a few years he was accepted at the prestigious Max Abrams ‘School for Drum Tuition’ in London," said Andy.
At 18 he was offered a job with the Stan Kenton Orchestra but had to turn it down after receiving his call up papers to the RAF.
“Unbeknown to him Max had written a letter to each base he was stationed at ahead of his arrival telling them to ‘make sure Terry keeps up with his practice’," said his son.
“He went on to open R&T Music which became a hub for local musicians and started his own school teaching aspiring young drummers everything he’d learnt along the way.
“One of my favourite recollections is watching rehearsals for the Pop Proms at the Civic Hall where I saw the time, effort and attention to detail he put into everything thing he did."
Mr Turner started R&T Music in 1977 and remained part of the business long after he handed over the ownership to friend and co-worker Vaughan Phelps in the early 1990s.
Mr Phelps, who first met Mr Turner in his teens, described him as a ‘father-figure’ who will leave a long-lasting legacy in the town.
He said: “He was loyal, funny, unique, observant and always managed to carry some authority with him.
“He loved music and encouraging people to get into music. He was constantly practising the drums and drumming on his leg - drums were in him.
“We had a good laugh together and met so many interesting people along the way.
“Even after he left the shop, he was still a part of it and so proud of its success.
“He will always be remembered for his sense of humour and being at the hub of everything musical.
“Every person that ever worked for him would tell you how much love and respect they have for him. That says more than anything else.
“Terry was a guiding light both at the shop and on the local jazz scene, right up until his final days.
“We are all tremendously sad that he has gone, but remain grateful and happy that we had him in our lives for so long.
“He was a constant source of fun and laughter, a true and loyal friend in every sense and we’re all going to miss him.”
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